Ex-champ Matt Hughes says next UFC fight targeted for April 10

Although former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes (43-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) was expected to make his promotional return in February, possibly at UFC 109 or UFC 110, the veteran fighter now says he’s likely to return on April 10.

Currently, the UFC has not officially announced any events for the date, though it presumably would be UFC 112.

Hughes hasn’t fought since his decision victory over Matt Serra at UFC 98 in July.

“I’ll tell you later who and where (I fight) when I find out for sure if it is confirmed,” Hughes recently wrote on his official Web site, matt-hughes.com.

Hughes, who had two memorable title runs at welterweight, rebounded from back-to-back losses to Georges St-Pierre and Thiago Alves with the win over Serra.

Hughes has openly contemplated retirement in recent years, though the 35-year-old has backed off the talk in 2009. However, Hughes is just 2-3 over the past three years, and the victories came over non-contenders Serra and Chris Lytle.

UFC president Dana White told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) a few months ago that Hughes was targeted for an early 2010 return, though the early-year fight cards have quickly filled in recent weeks. Hughes, a veteran fighter who’s been with the UFC for the past 10 years, will likely take a prominent spot on whichever card he joins.

For the latest on all future rumored cards, including the possible UFC 112 event, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.